Integral electrical insulator and supporting member for electrical wire fence

ABSTRACT

An integral insulator assembly is provided for supporting electrically charged wires on a fence, comprising an insulator body molded of a moldable material such as a synthetic plastic, and having a metallic means affixed therein for mounting the insulator on a fence post.

United States Patent Wilson 1 Sept. 5, 1972 [54] INTEGRAL ELECTRICAL INSULATOR AND SUPPORTING MEMBER FOR ELECTRICAL WIRE FENCE [72] Inventor: Robert M. Wilson, 190 Castway Drive North, Battle Creek, Mich. 49015 [22] Filed: Oct. 30, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 85,496

[52] US. Cl ..174/166 R, 156/73, 174/158 F, 248/71 [51] Int. Cl. ..H01b 17/24, I-lOlb 17/16 [58] Field of Search....l74/45 R, 154,- 155, 156, 157, 174/158 R, 158 F, 159, 161 F, 163 R, 163 F, 164,165,166R,168,170,174,175, 201;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Dl08,489 2/1938 Dalton ..174/158 F ux 955,661 4/1910 Moore ..174/175 X 1,684,312 9/1928 Fischer et a1. ..174/175 2,304,204 12/1942 Ratzman ..174/156 x 2,721,891 10/1955 Kersten ..174/164 x 3,189,682 6/1965 Irish ..174/156 X 3,499,809 3/1970 Wysong ..156/73 3,508,986 4/ 1970 Berleyoung et al ..156/73 3,304,038 2/ 1967 Guthrie ..174/ 164 UX FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 76,965 1/ 1954 Denmark ..174/175 86,743 1/1959 Denmark ..248/71 1,092,532 11/1960 Germany ..174/164 41,488 l/l909 Switzerland 1 74/175 OTHER PUBLICATIONS Riley; Joining and Fastening Plastics, Materials in Design Engineering, Manual No. 145, Jan. 1958, pages 129- 134.

Primary ExaminerLaramie E. Askin Attorney-Roy A. Plant [57] ABSTRACT An integral insulator assembly is provided for supporting electrically charged wires on a fence, comprising an insulator body molded of a moldable material such as a synthetic plastic, and having a metallic means affixed therein for mounting the insulator on a fence post.

4 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures INTEGRAL ELECTRICAL INSULATOR AND SUPPORTING MEMBER FOR ELECTRICAL WIRE FENCE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various forms of insulators and mountings have been proposed in connection with electric fencing and like, as for example the common porcelain insulator having a nail mounted therethrough. Such an insulator is extremely bulky and difficult to assemble. Various other types of insulators have been disclosed, but such insulators are generally formed of a plurality of parts which must be assembled before use, and generally are quite expensive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to'provide an insulator adapted to be mounted on a fence post for supporting an electrically charged wire thereon, which insulator is compact and simply constructed.

It is a further object to provide an insulator of the type described which has integral means provided for mounting on a fence post.

It is a further object to provide an insulator which may be readily and inexpensively molded from a moldable plastic material which has good insulating properties.

- It is still further an object to provide an insulator of the type described wherein the means for affixing to a fence post is integrally molded within the insulator at the time it is assembled.

Still further objects and advantages of the invention will appear as the description proceeds.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention then consists of an electrical fence insulator herein fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the annexed drawing and the following description setting forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, such disclosed embodiments illustrating, however, but several of the various ways in which the principle of the invention may be used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING In the annexed drawing:

FIG. 1 is an end elevational view of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view taken at the line 11-11 of FIG. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken at theline III- 11 1 of FIG. 2, looking in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of one-half of a molding used to form the insulator of the present invention, showing a screw-type fastening means positioned therein.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view showing a pair of complementary moldings used to form the insulator of the present invention having a nail-type mounting means inserted in one of the moldings.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken at the line V1 l-VII of FIG. 6, looking in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken at the line 5 V1 11-VIII of FIG. 6, looking in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken at the line X- X of FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawing, FIGS. 1-3 and 5 illustrate one embodiment of the invention adapted for mounting through a hole in an iron fence post. The insulator 10 comprises a body 11 formed of two complementary molded plastic body members 12 and 13 affixed together by suitable means such as by sonic welding or by adhesive or solvent means. The complementary body members 12 and 13 are conveniently molded in the same mold, as shown in FIGURE 6 and include longitudinal grooves 14 and 15 which cooperate in the assembled body to form an axial channel 16 in which the fastening means such as a nail or bolt is positioned. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-8 of the drawings, transverse grooves 18 and 19 are also positioned on one side of the longitudinal grooves 14 and 15 and cooperate to form a transverse channel 20 for receiving the offset end 35 of the bolt 32. Thus, the insulator body can be used either with a nail-type fastening means 39 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6-8, or with a bolttype fastening means 32 such as shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 5. If desired, the body members can be simplified by providing only the recesses required for one particular fastening means which it is desired to use.

The body members 12 and 13 are also provided with flared grooves 21 and 22 which cooperate when joined together to form a flared chamber 23 (FIG. 4) for receiving a flange 41 provided on the nail. As shown in FIG. 6, the two body members 12 and 13 may be formed in a single mold, with the flashing 24 utilized to supply molten plastic material to the mold chambers subsequently broken away to free the individual body members 12 and 13. The mold members are additionally provided with recesses 25 and 26 and the body member 12 is additionally supplied with a bead 27 which may be utilized for fusing the two body members together by sonic welding. The body members 12 and 13 are further supplied with arcuate overlapping hooks 30 and 31 having beveled edges 44 and 45, respectively, for facilitating introducing a wire 42 between the two hooks.

In assembling the embodiment of the present insulator shown in FIGS. l-3 and 5, an L-bolt 32 having a threaded end 34 and an offset leg 35 is inserted in the body member 13 shown in FIG. 5, with the main portion of the body of the bolt positioned in the longitudinal groove 15 and the offset end 35 positioned in the transversegroove 19. The body member 12 is then superposed over the body member 13 and the two members fastened together either by sonic welding, by the use of a suitable adhesive, or by the use of a suitable solvent for the particular plastic material of which the body members are formed. The bolt is thereby rigidly retained within the insulator body. As shown in FIGS. 1

and 2, the insulator may be mounted on a metal fence post 37 by inserting the threaded portion 34 of the bolt through a hole 36 provided therein, and affixing the bolt by means of nuts 38.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 68, an insulator utilizing a nail as the means of affixation may be assembled by placing a nail 39 having a head 40 and flange 41 with the body portion of the nail in the longitudinal groove 14 and the flange 41 positioned in the flared groove 21 (FIG. 6). The body member 13 is then placed thereover with the body portion of the nail 39 positioned in the longitudinal groove and the upper portion of the flange 41 in the flared groove 22. The two body members 12 and 13 are then joined together by sonic welding or adhesive means, as described above.

In an alternative method of forming the insulator of the present invention, illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the fastening means such as a flanged nail 39 or L-shaped bolt 32 or other suitable fastening means may be placed directly into a mold designed for the purpose. The molten plastic material may then be injected into the mold and caused to surround the fastening means. The resulting insulator assembly, shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, has the same outward appearance as the structure shown in FIGS. 1-8, but with the body as a continuous unit devoid of welding or adhesion interfaces. For certain applications this structure is superior since there is no opportunity for moisture to enter, since there is no joint interface between two body members in this structure. The insulator assembly shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 comprises a body 43, a nail 39 embedded therein, having a flange 41 also embedded in the body. The insulator assembly additionally has hooks 51 and 52 similar to the hooks 30 and 31 of the preceding embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 1, a fence wire 42 is mounted on the insulator assembly in any of the embodiments shown by inserting the wire between the overlapping hooks 30 and 31 at the bevels 44 and 45. The bevels assist in spreading the hooks 30 and 31 sufficiently to permit the wire to be forced down to a sufficient level so that it enters the semi-circular space or channel 29 defined by the lower edges of the hooks. Upon entrance into the space 29, the wire can then be turned 90 to its final resting position, in which position the wire is positively retained by the hooks and cannot escape therefrom.

The present insulator has many advantages over numerous types disclosed in the prior art. First, it provides good insulation for an electrical wire mounted thereon. Second, it has efficient hooks which positively maintain the wire in place after it is properly oriented. Third, the insulator is very simple to produce and to assemble. Fourth, it may be provided with several different types of fastening devices for affixing to either wood or metal fence posts. Fifth, the insulator is very inexpensive and lends itself to mass production methods.

It will be seen from the above that a simple and relatively inexpensive yet practical and durable means has been disclosed for attaining the desired ends. Attention is invited, however, to the possibility of making variations within the spirit and scope the invention set forth, and therefore the embodiments shown in the drawings are to be considered as merely setting forth the invention for illustrative purposes, and with no intention to limit the scope of the invention herein described, illustra e ,and claime t er modes of applying the principle of my invention may be employed instead of those explained, change being made as regards the means and methods herein disclosed, provided those stated by any of the following claims or their equivalent be employed.

I therefore particularly point out and distinctly claim as my invention:

1. An integral insulator assembly comprising an elongate insulator body formed of an electrically non-conductive plastic material having a pair of major faces and a longitudinally oriented median ridge at substantially the center of each major face, and having a pair of complementary substantially arcuate hooks one affixed at one end to one major face and the other affixed at one end to the other major face, said hooks being positioned laterally of said insulator body and at a median portion thereof, said hooks being formed as an integral part of said insulator body and arranged in spacedapart overlapping side-by-side position and oppositely oriented and cooperating with a medial portion of the edge of said insulator body to define a channel arranged to receive and retain an electrical fence wire therein, a longitudinal channel positioned within said insulator body, and a retainer means channel positioned laterally with respect to said longitudinal channel and being connected thereto, and metallic support means for affixing said insulator body to a post, having a portion thereof disposed within said longitudinal channel and having a retainer means affixed thereto positioned and retained within said retainer means channel.

2. An insulator assembly according to claim 1, wherein said insulator body is formed of a pair of complementary insulator body members each having one of said hooks at an edge thereof, the inner surfaces of each of said members being recessed to provide a longitudinal groove extending substantially through the entire length of said member and a groove lateral thereto and communicating therewith, said longitudinal grooves cooperating to define said longitudinal channel and said grooves lateral to said longitudinal grooves cooperating to define said retainer means channel, and means affixing said members to each other.

3. An insulator assembly according to claim 2, wherein said metallic support means is a nail having a flange as said retainer means. 7

4. An insulator assembly according to claim 2, wherein said metallic support means is a bolt and said retainer means is an ofiset provided at one end of said bolt.

STATES E ATENT @FFEQE @ETWEQATE 69F QQRREQ'EKG Patent: No- 1,689,686 bated September 5, 1972 iii le lfle Robert M. Wilson It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent. and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In the heading of the patent, in {72] for the inventor-s a? street address read "--l90 Eastw ay Drive North--. Insert assignee and location [73] Dare Products,

Incorporated, Battle Creek, Michigan-.

Signed and sealed this 29th day of May 1973.

(SEAL) Attes't:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Atteeting Officer v v Commissioner o Patents emu Patent No.

Dated September 5 ime m Robert M. Wilson It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent, and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

m the heading of the patent in {72} for the inventors street address read '--l90 Eastway Drive Nori:h-. Insert essignee and location -[73} Dare Products,

Incorporated, Battle Creek, Michigan--.,

Signed and sealed this 29th day of May 1973.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Atte s 'ting. Officer Commissioner of Patents 

1. An integral insulator assembly comprising an elongate insulator body formed of an electrically non-conductive plastic material having a pair of major faces and a longitudinally oriented median ridge at substantially the center of each major face, and having a pair of complementary substantially arcuate hooks one affixed at one end to one major face and the other affixed at one end to the other major face, said hooks being positioned laterally of said insulator body and at a median portion thereof, said hooks being formed as an integral part of said insulator body and arranged in spaced-apart overlapping side-by-side position and oppositely oriented and cooperating with a medial portion of the edge of said insulator body to define a channel arranged to receive and retain an electrical fence wire therein, a longitudinal channel positioned within said insulator body, and a retainer means channel positioned laterallY with respect to said longitudinal channel and being connected thereto, and metallic support means for affixing said insulator body to a post, having a portion thereof disposed within said longitudinal channel and having a retainer means affixed thereto positioned and retained within said retainer means channel.
 2. An insulator assembly according to claim 1, wherein said insulator body is formed of a pair of complementary insulator body members each having one of said hooks at an edge thereof, the inner surfaces of each of said members being recessed to provide a longitudinal groove extending substantially through the entire length of said member and a groove lateral thereto and communicating therewith, said longitudinal grooves cooperating to define said longitudinal channel and said grooves lateral to said longitudinal grooves cooperating to define said retainer means channel, and means affixing said members to each other.
 3. An insulator assembly according to claim 2, wherein said metallic support means is a nail having a flange as said retainer means.
 4. An insulator assembly according to claim 2, wherein said metallic support means is a bolt and said retainer means is an offset provided at one end of said bolt. 